Frontpoint vs Protect America

If you’re shopping around for home security companies, they all seem pretty similar at first glance. However, you might be surprised to learn that the perfect home security system for one household could be completely wrong for someone else.

Most companies will offer you the basics – security equipment, monitoring, and dispatch of emergency services if needed. The difference comes when you want a system that’s tailored to your specific needs. Perhaps you want the most affordable monthly monitoring system out there, or a system that connects you even in a remote rural area.

Two of the highest-rated home security companies are Frontpoint and ProtectAmerica. Keep reading to find out what each company is best at, and which system is right for you!

Frontpoint Security Features

Some home security systems consist of DIY setups that let you keep tabs on your home, but it’s up to you to monitor the action and call the authorities if your alarm is tripped. These systems are the least expensive.

At the other end of the scale are full-blown systems that are professionally installed and carefully monitored - but they can be costly, and you’ll be bound to a tight contract.

A Frontpoint home security system sits smack in the middle of this range: you install the equipment yourself, and the company provides 24/7 monitoring. All their packages come with either a one-year or three-year contract.

You can use the Frontpoint system to control your home automation devices (smart homes can be more power-efficient as well as more secure), but monitoring plans and accessory prices will cost you more depending on their functionality.

Special features of the Frontpoint system include motion sensors that will send still images to emergency services when triggered. Security alerts together with these images usually get priority emergency response from local police departments.

Frontpoint Pros and Cons

Pros

Frontpoint security systems are easy to install yourself.

The package options and extra equipment are reasonably priced.

You can choose optional indoor or outdoor cameras.

You can use Frontpoint to set up home automation with certain packages.

Cons

You’ll have to sign up for a long-term contract – and they’ll check your credit rating to determine your fee level.

You’ll need a top-tier plan to view live and recorded video.

There’s no landline connectivity option available.

Protect America Security Features

ProtectAmerica’s service packages all offer break-in monitoring, home automation, and remote access via their mobile app. Their package prices depend on the type of equipment you need - the more you’re willing to pay per month, the more equipment you’ll get.

Protect America supplies the wireless home security equipment that comes with the package you’ve selected. You’ll have to set it up yourself, but don’t worry about getting out the toolbox – the equipment is easily attached with adhesive patches.

You’ll have to sign up for a three-year contract, and you’ll be billed monthly. Make sure you read over your contract carefully – most bad online reviews for ProtectAmerica are based on contract disputes!

ProtectAmerica offers the option of monitoring your equipment over a landline, the internet, or cell network. The least expensive package uses your existing landline, while cellular and broadband monitoring options are more expensive.

With ProtectAmerica, you don’t own the equipment. This is good news for some homeowners, as it means they’ll replace or repair your equipment if it fails.

Protect America Pros and Cons

Pros

Protect America offers price matching for any other quote you get – if it has the same features and length of contract.

The system is easy to install and configure, even with limited DIY or tech skills.

No up-front fees are required.

You get highly responsive sensors and 24/7 monitoring.

You have a choice between landline, broadband or cell network connectivity.

Cons

Protect America doesn’t supply outdoor cameras.

Their sales pitch is pretty aggressive – make sure you know what they offer before signing up.

They work on a three-year contract with a 60-day termination clause.

Frontpoint vs Protect America Costs

Both companies offer a decent range of Z-Wave and Wi-Fi accessories, but Protect America’s prices are higher than Frontpoint’s.

Frontpoint’s lower-tier plans cost more than Protect America’s lower-tier plans, but if you look at the higher-level packages with more advanced features, then Frontpoint is usually more affordable.

Frontpoint plans range from $34.99 to $49.99 per month - and they all include cellular monitoring. Protect America plans range from $19.99 to $54.99 per month, but cellular monitoring will cost you at least $41.99 a month.

Here are ProtectAmerica vs Frontpoint prices at a glance.

Protect America

Frontpoint

Monitoring costs

Copper: $41.99

Protection Plan: $34.99

Silver: $49.99

Interactive Plan: $44.99

Platinum: $54.99

Ultimate Plan: $49.99

24/7 Monitoring

Fire Monitoring is $2.00/Month Extra

Standard

Door/Window Sensor

Unknown

$32.99

Glass Break Sensor

$99.99

$74.99

Motion Detector

$125

$64.99

Smoke Detector

$99.99

$64.99

Flood Sensor

Unknown

$44.99

Indoor Camera

$199.00

$99.00

Outdoor Camera

Not available

$199.99

Key Fob

$49.50

$31.99

Frontpoint vs Protect America – Who is the Best?

Both of these companies offer good-quality equipment that is UL certified for safety, and they have similar contract terms and conditions. Their main difference comes with pricing, customer support and monitoring options. It’s up to you to decide what your priorities would be.

Frontpoint charges lower monthly prices for higher-end features, and has a better reputation for reliable customer support. In most cases, a Frontpoint system will cost you less than a ProtectAmerica plan.

However, Protect America has more affordable alternatives to cellular monitoring, as they offer a landline monitoring option. Most other home security companies don’t do this anymore.

So choose Frontpoint if you’re looking for more affordable rates and better support, and choose ProtectAmerica if you don’t have good cell coverage at home.